When the U.S. EPA granted Clean Air Act fuel waivers allowing gasoline containing 10 to 15 percent by volume of ethanol (E15) for use in model year 2001 and newer light-duty motor vehicles, the agency included the following condition, as published in the Jan. 26, Federal Register: “The final fuel must have a Reid Vapor Pressure not in excess of 9.0 psi [pounds per square inch] during the time period from May 1 to September 15.” (Read entire article at link above)

NOTE: Unless the EPA grants a waiver on the Reid Vapor Pressure, this could be a “HUGE” obstacle to getting the newly approved 15% ethanol in the market. “Pete” Landry

Iowa ethanol production slows as E10 market becomes saturated

By Iowa Renewable Fuels Association | December 28, 2011

The Iowa Renewable Fuels Association (announced that Iowa’s ethanol production ticked up in 2011, but the rate of annual growth slowed as the domestic E10 market became saturated. Forty-one Iowa ethanol plants produced 3.7 billion gallons in 2011, up from 3.5 billion gallons in 2010. This represents 27 percent of the estimated 13.8 billion gallons of nationwide ethanol production.

“2011 was certainly a good year for Iowa ethanol producers with increased production and profitability,” said IRFA Executive Director Monte Shaw. “However, we relied on export markets for growth. We’re also facing the expiration of ethanol’s tax credit. Those factors place a premium on pushing the rapid commercialization of E15. Higher blends like E15 are the only way to guarantee increased ethanol production in the future and the jobs and foreign oil displacement that comes with it. We are waiting for final federal approvals, but Iowa will be a leader in E15.”

Iowa is the leader in renewable fuels production with 41 ethanol refineries capable of producing 3.7 billion gallons annually. In addition, Iowa has 13 biodiesel facilities with the capacity to produce 320 million gallons annually.

The Iowa Renewable Fuels Association was formed in 2002 to represent the state’s liquid renewable fuels industry. The trade group fosters the development and growth of the renewable fuels industry in Iowa through education, promotion, legislation and infrastructure development.

Ending that egregious subsidy was the right thing to do on so many fronts that it’s hard to enumerate them all. Here are a few reasons to praise Congress’ action/inaction:

• It saves $6 billion a year. That’s a pittance compared with the savings from ending the war in Iraq, which had the added benefit of saving American lives. But even in Washington, at least outside the Pentagon, $6 billion is real money.

• Supporters of corn-based ethanol claimed it was an interim step on the way to cellulosic ethanol, which would use leftover wood chips, corn stalks (rather than kernels) and other waste products to create ethanol. But after 30 years, that’s a lame argument.

• It’s not like the subsidy is a critical price support that is keeping family farmers from going bankrupt and losing their land. Growing demand from China has boosted crop prices. The subsidy was icing on the cake, pushing corn prices just that much higher.

“Pete” Landry’s RealGas.com

Ethanol containing gasoline poses a real and serious damage threat to outboard marine engines, motorcycles, chain saws, personal water crafts, four wheelers and gasoline powered lawn and garden tools. It is therefore important for boat owners and home owners to be able to find fuel stations providing ethanol-free gas. Although most 1995 and newer outboard marine engines and yard and garden tools claim they can operate on 10% ethanol gasoline, many problems are being experienced when ethanol gas is used. A list of articles about ethanol gasoline issues can be found on the "Ethanol Articles" tool bar. Under NO CIRCUMSTANCE should gasoline with greater than 10% ethanol be used in any marine engine, motorcycle, chain saws, personal water crafts, four wheeler or yard and garden tools or engine failure may be experienced and most manufacturers will NOT honor their warranty.